Headlight Shutter Mechanism for Solar Light Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Headlight apparatuses using LED light sources face durability issues due to solar light condensation, which can damage internal components like liquid crystal display panels, and existing photochromic solutions are not suitable for long-term exposure to solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
A headlight apparatus with a shielding unit, including an actuator-controlled shutter, is integrated between the light distribution control element and the lens to block solar light, ensuring the liquid crystal display panel is protected from solar radiation damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a photochromic layer is formed on the outer surface of a lens to reduce solar light transmission, then the transmission factor of light is reduced in daytime, but the dye does not change when left under solar light environment long-term, making it unsuitable for exterior components
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the lens (condensing solar light) is separated from the protective function. A dedicated shielding unit with shutter is extracted to handle solar light blocking, while the lens maintains its primary light distribution function. This resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful effect without compromising the lens's optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A shielding unit with shutter mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the lens and the light distribution control element. This intermediary blocks solar light before it reaches sensitive components, solving the durability issue while maintaining the lens's normal operation. The shutter acts as a controllable barrier that can be activated when needed.
2Productivity
If the lens is used to distribute and project illumination light, then light distribution function is achieved, but solar light enters through the lens and is condensed, causing damage to internal components like liquid crystal display panel
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding unit with shutter is activated in advance to block solar light before it can enter the lens and be condensed onto sensitive components. By taking preliminary action to prevent solar light entry, the harmful condensation effect is avoided while the lens continues to perform its light distribution function normally during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens's optical property of condensing light is converted from a harmful effect (when blocking solar light) to a beneficial effect (when projecting illumination light). The shielding unit ensures that only desired illumination light passes through the lens, transforming the lens's condensing capability into a pure benefit for light distribution while preventing solar light damage.
3Reliability
If a shielding unit with actuator and shutter is added to block solar light, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding unit is designed to perform multiple functions: blocking solar light, controlling light entry, and protecting sensitive components. By consolidating these protective functions into a single unit, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving comprehensive protection. The shutter mechanism serves both as a solar light barrier and a light control element.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the durability of the headlight apparatus by effectively reducing the impact of solar light, preventing damage to the liquid crystal display panel and maintaining the apparatus's functionality over time.
Implementation Method 1
When a photochromic layer is irradiated with an ultraviolet ray, color of the photochromic layer is changed and a transmission factor of light is reduced.
Data Source
AI summary
A headlight apparatus configured to irradiate illumination light onto a road surface on which a vehicle travels includes a visible radiation lighting unit and a projector lens. The visible radiation lighting unit generates illumination light. The projector lens is provided on an optical axis of the visible radiation lighting unit, and is configured to distribute and project the illumination light irradiated from the visible radiation lighting unit. The visible radiation lighting unit has an LED, a liquid crystal display panel, and a shutter. The LED emits light. The liquid crystal display panel controls light distribution of the illumination light emitted from the LED. The shutter is provided between the liquid crystal display panel and the projector lens, and is configured to shield the liquid crystal display panel from solar light that enters through the projector lens.